Don’t Discriminate

Many types of discrimination exist. Discrimination can be based on race, gender, disability, religion, appearance, age, finances, education status, etc, as clearly evidenced in our society. Simply read a newspaper or observe a school playground. There you will find examples of minority groups being persecuted for their religious beliefs or a child being bullied because he is “too little” to play with other children.

The UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article Two,

“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.”

No one enjoys being discriminated against. Discrimination has been the root of wars and much human suffering. Therefore it is one of the most crucial human rights to be taught and respected. They are called “rights” because they are things you are allowed to be, to do, or to have. These rights are there for your protection against people who might want to harm or hurt you. They are also there to help us get along with each other and live in peace. When human rights are not well known by people, abuses such as discrimination, intolerance, injustice, oppression, and slavery can arise.

What are we doing about discrimination in DC, and what does that look like here in our city? Learn more about what you can do to help improve human rights in the DC area by joining the United Nations Association of the National Capitol Area (UNA-NCA) Human Rights Committee and help make a difference in your community. Contact us today.

This post was written by Erica Rodgers, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee Member, as part of an ongoing series focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.